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be able to live in or near the commwiities where they work in affordable and attractive homes that any conununiry would be proud to have as part of its diverse housing market. 4. What is a regulatory barrier? All communities have myriad rules, standards, ordinances, and administrative processes that regulate development generally and housing in particular. IV1ost of these Hiles were enacted for valid public proposes. However, regulations become a barrier to affordable housing when they prohibit, discourage or excessively increase the cost of new and rehabilitated housing without sound cum enscrtin~ aubllc benefits 5. Is this really a serious problem? Isn't this really just an issue of families without sufficient income to buy or rent housing that the market provides`? It is very serious problem. Numerous studies have shown that regulatory barriers can increase housing costs between 25%-35%. These are only direct cost impacts. Through regulations and policies that limit land supply and development, the impact may be much higher. Studies also show that the Lack of affordable housing can have a negative impact on communities. Over the past few years, Housing advocates, researchers, non-proFts and others committed to affordable housing have come to recognize that removal of regulatory barriers and increasing the total supply of all housing in a community must be part of any national housing strategy. As in any market, housing prices are a function of both supply and demand and regulatory barriers increase cost and constrain supply, Regulatory barriers impact affordable horsing projects in particular where, in many cases, "Not In My $ackyard" (NIMBI attitudes keep out or constrain the supply of such needed housing. 6. Aren't regulatory barriers just a problem in communities where large lot zoning keeps out all affordable housing? IIow does this issue impact my community? Regulatory barriers exist at all levels of state and local govenvnent that manage the housing development and rehabilitation process. Generally these barriers develop because other public policies were considered important without adequate consideration given to impacts on housing supply or cost. Also, many regulations are just out of date and reform and modernization has not been a priority. Finally, many administrative, review and approval processes can be dramatically streamlined and modernized without compromising other important public values and priorities. Communities that are addressing regulatory reform are already having positive results across a number of economic and social issues.